[Source: Bonnie Bariola, Florence Reminder] -- The "Rehabilitation of the Florence/Silver King Hotel" and the "Florence Memorial Cemetery Park" have been designated as official Arizona Centennial Legacy Projects by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission (AHAC). In the fall of 2004, Governor Janet Napolitano, Senate President Ken Bennett and House Speaker Jake Flake jointly announced their preference for the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission to plan the state's centennial. Established by the legislature in 1976, the AHAC is the only statewide commission dedicated to Arizona history representing major state history and heritage institutions. As a result, the responsibility of planning for Arizona's centennial was added to AHAC's responsibility.As chair of the AHAC, State Historic Preservation Officer Jim Garrison became chair of Arizona's Centennial Planning Committee. The Commission developed as its vision for the centennial "To ensure a lasting legacy for future generations by encouraging all Arizonans to reflect on our unique and authentic history, to experience the rich and diverse tapestry of our heritage, and to explore our promising future." The Commission's Centennial Mission is: Develop, encourage, and coordinate a statewide plan for Arizona's centennial in 2012 including:
- Advising the Legislature and state agencies on centennial history and heritage, arts, and culture
- Assisting the governor's countdown to the centennial to support school children learning about Arizona's history
- Recommending and funding activities and projects that will ensure lasting legacy accomplishments to commemorate the centennial
The two projects submitted by Florence were selected after careful review by the AHAC. Arizona Centennial Legacy Projects must 1) accurately portray a significant aspect of Arizona history; 2) be accessible to a large number of visitors/users; 3) demonstrate collaboration in the planning; 4) produce an enduring product that will live on after 2012; 5) include an educational component; and 6) include a plan for implementation. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
